Aruba fourpiece activemirror. first crossed our path last summer, with an engaging single that quickly showcased their heartfelt passion and distinct sound as an indie unit. This year, backed by a multitude of live shows, and prior to their headline slot at the 2024 Hi-WINDS Festival, the band reach greater heights than ever, as their new single Serendipitous proceeds to raise the bar.
Indie Rock
HEating is the band’s latest single, a fast-paced and post-punk exploration of the inescapable cost off living crisis. What feels at first like a fun and perhaps quirky anthem and performance, soon evolves into a boldly evocative and devotedly heavy ode to the painful decisions being made by millions of families and individuals across the UK. ‘HEating or eating’ resounds from between the fierce crash of the drums and the chaotic meandering of power chords and bass.
MC and singer Zachary Campos, known for his unique fusion of rap and punk music, launches another single from the upcoming album Funky MC. This time the artist reflects upon the daily ache of Traffic – an indie anthem inspired by the turmoil of the local road-route to his gigs, and indeed by the escapism offered by music when trapped in the car.
Celebrating the beauty of love and the simultaneous value of taking time to be by yourself, producer duo KYZR blend genres with unmistakable confidence and style – approaching the topics less talked about in a relatable and impressively catchy way.
Obsolete is the new release, a soaring rock soundscape both cinematic and organic in equal parts, with softly enchanting vocals relaying complex thoughts that connect on a profound level.
Kyle Jaymes is unmistakable as an artist, and refreshingly authentic and humble at the very same time. His songwriting and musicianship consistently promise versatility from one track to the next, but always that central voice, in lyric, structure and tone, remains distinctive.
Getting into the groove with an organic rock stomp but also uniting this unexpectedly with a poetically evocative set of lyrics – Michael Novak soothes the soul, with the blues rock beauty and storytelling of Used To Be.
The songs emerge with a uniquely storytelling arrangement, a fine back and forth between softness and weight, and a touch of the theatrical presence of bands like Panic! At The Disco or, again, the ever-relevant Queen.
Dreamy surf-rock akin to shoegaze but with a blissful clarity – Alice Asara brings together instrumental prowess and soulful, poetic songwriting, for the impressively creative EP SLEEPLESS.
Taking us back a little with their unique fusion of nostalgic songwriting and genre-blending, In Case Of Elimination present an instantly infectious anthem, with the uplifting and unmistakable Partner In Crime.
Encompassing contrast of both the scenic and sonic, Tony Venuto takes listeners through a fresh realm of indie alternative expression, for the album City and Sand.
To coincide with the launch of her superb new collection of originals, the EP No One’s Calling, we caught an interview with songwriter and artist Georgia Ray, to talk more about her journey as a musician, the project and songwriting within, and plenty more. Here’s the conversation in full.